Unitarian Universalist Meeting o

Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire
2005 Strategic Plan

Background / History:

We are a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion which invites each individual into a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We respect individual freedom of thought, and support the spiritual growth of our members in their responsible search for truth and meaning. We have no creed or doctrines to which all must subscribe, instead we have seven principles that guide us in our journey through life and are the basis of our values. Just as important to us as our individual journeys are our actions to promote justice, acceptance and compassion in the world.

Our congregation’s first meeting was in 1995 with 6 people in attendance. We are a chartered congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We currently have 63 members and maintain strong ties to our community. We are a growing congregation in the liberal religious tradition that respects ideas, values diversity, and encourages the exploration of spirituality and life’s meaning. As a result of this growth, we are now at a point where we need a strategic plan to focus and guide our future. This strategic plan will be based on our purposes and principles, as follows.

Purposes and Principles:

UUMSB is committed to providing Unitarian Universalism in the Southern Berkshires to support its members from the Southern Berkshires of Massachusetts and nearby towns in Connecticut and New York

Covenant

We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire, commit ourselves to provide support for our individual members and families of every variety in their emotional, spiritual, and intellectual lives; to promote the healthy growth of our congregation through full participation and creation of a welcoming environment for all people; and to unite in upholding and sharing the Unitarian Universalist principles.

We, a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community, with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Mission

We come together from diverse traditions as a welcoming, religious community with shared values, seeking spiritual growth, lifelong religious education, and fellowship. We strive to promote justice, acceptance, and compassion in the world.

Introduction:

In September 2004 a Strategic Planning Committee was formed at the direction of the Board of Trustees and given the task of developing a 7-10 years Strategic Plan for the congregation. The committee was made up of the following members: Ron Dlugosz, chair; Fred Bunger; Dana Cummings; Bob Dix; Erica Fay; and Laurie Shaw. In developing this plan, an interview was conducted with the Minister and the congregation provided input in various ways to include comments by members after a Sunday service, notes posted on poster-board, and suggestions made at “Cottage Gatherings” conducted around the topic of obtaining property and/or a physical building. The plan consists of a “vision” of how the congregation would look and function in 7-10 years if it became all that its members could envision. This “vision” for the future was subdivided into four (4) separate “visions” which are “Congregational Life,” “Community Involvement,” “Sustainability,” and “Physical Presence.” For each “vision,” goals and objectives were developed to support the vision. An executive summary is included which provides an overview of the strategic plan allowing one to understand its overall intent without focusing on the specific details.

Executive Summary:

The Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire is a strong, vibrant, religious community serving the Southern Berkshires of Massachusetts and nearby towns in Connecticut and New York. The members of the congregation take pride in their congregation and want it to continue to be a force for serving both its members and those in need in the community. The members support growth within the congregation, but want to maintain the intimacy of a small congregation as they continue to grow. The dream of owning our own physical space where we can better express our Unitarian Universalist purposes and principles is very important to most of the congregation. This ability to make a difference (together we can create a better world, starting right here, right now) is the underlying force driving our plans for the future of the congregation. Our overall vision for the future is a bright and hopeful picture. The four individual visions weave an intricate pattern, with each mutually dependent on the others for success.

Congregational Life:

We are a diverse religious community and we want to be able to meet the many needs of our members. By offering a wide variety of programs, including diverse worship services, music of all varieties, and many and varied fellowship opportunities as well as a religious education program for both children and adults, we can both satisfy the desires of our members and expose our members to new experiences. We will consider initiatives to develop anti-oppressive, multicultural, anti-racist ways of being in our congregational life, in our community and in the world. We will consider initiating the “Welcoming Congregation” program and actively reach out to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community once we are located in a place where we are not restricted from doing so. We see, in promoting a strong congregational life, that we are also supporting our desire to grow and embrace new members.

Community Involvement:

We want to have a positive impact on our local community, our world and our environment. We want to be known and respected for the things we do to improve each of these areas. We want to offer programs of interest to our community and to be able to share our space with others in the community. It is important to us to be able to reach out to our community and to help make a difference in the lives of those who live here. We want to be a strong voice for social justice and help make the world a better place for all. We see our outreach to the community as one factor that will enable us to attract those in the area who are seeking a liberal religious community to join our congregation.

Sustainability:

We want the presence of Unitarian Universalism to be prominent in the Southern Berkshires for many years to come. We support growth and encourage kindred spirits to join with us. We will continue to develop strong leaders within the congregation. We will ensure that we continue to have an outstanding minister by offering a highly competitive ministerial compensation package. This compensation package will allow us to retain or, if necessary, attract a minister of the highest quality, as is consistent with our vision for the future. We desire that all our members, as they are able, share in service to our congregation so that each will know the joys of serving others and so that we can realize our dreams without suffering burn-out of individuals from overwork. We will be fiscally responsible and ensure that there are sufficient funds to meet our congregational needs and to support our community outreach and social justice initiatives.

Physical Presence:

Lastly, having our own space and physical presence in the Great Barrington area is important since it allows the congregation to better fulfill its mission in support of both the needs of its members and the greater community. The proposed strategy is to acquire suitable property in the Great Barrington area, develop a financial strategy, and fund the design and construction of a facility. Construction can be incremental and expand to support our growth. The design and construction of the facility would be ecologically sound. It would afford us a place from which to implement our mission. It will allow us to realize our vision to improve life within our congregation, to reach out and support the needs of our community, and to ensure that Unitarian Universalism remains in this area.

Vision 1: Congregational Life

We are a gathering of individuals coming from various religious traditions. We provide a spiritual home for all those, including the disenfranchised, who share our liberal religious values, consistent with the principles of Unitarian Universalism. We invite, include and support a diverse membership. As our membership includes all manner of families and individuals, we maintain an active enrichment and religious education program to encourage spiritual, intellectual and creative growth at all ages. Our resident minister provides guidance, conducts worship services, and helps to cultivate ministry and leadership within the congregation. Our weekly worship service themes encompass a wide spectrum of spiritual expression, a comprehensive examination of religion and ethics, and lessons from life, humor and the arts. We engage visiting clergy from many traditions as well as guest speakers to present inspiring services. Music is a vital part of our services. Both our fellowship and social justice activities strengthen our bonds with one another while putting our beliefs into action. We will take initiative to develop anti-oppressive, multicultural, anti-racist ways of being in our congregational life, in our community and in the world. We will consider becoming a “Welcoming Congregation” who actively reach out to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender population while working to insure their rights as citizens among us.

Goal 1.1: We are a religious community that fills the diverse needs of our members.

Objective 1.1.1 – We offer a wide variety of programs to our congregation

Worship

Our weekly services are designed to comprise a well-rounded presentation of spiritual, intellectual, and socially relevant topics delivered in a respectful manner.
The voices of our members are shared and encouraged through worship participation in the form of “Bring Your Own” services, panels, and other creative forms of worship.
All members are encouraged to take part in conducting all, or part, of worship services.
Worship services are held on Sundays throughout the year. Scheduling of services take into account a variety of factors, such as the preferences of the congregation, the needs of families and the desire to give weekend residents the opportunity to attend.
Additional worship services are held to provide more options as requested by an appropriate number of members. (Christmas Eve, Passover Seder, and other observances or times).
We support small covenant groups interested in specific study, worship, and practice.
Periodically, we hold worship services that focus on topics and issues for our immigrant communities in their language. These are advertised widely to the general public.
We are mindful of physical (accessibility, comfort, sound, and lighting) as well as spiritual and aesthetic needs in the set up and planning of the worship space.

Music

Music has been an important aspect of religious ceremony throughout the ages. Indeed, most classical music was written for religious worship. Music has also played a critical role in social and human rights movements giving voice to the disenfranchised. We seek to incorporate the music from a wide variety of traditions in our worship services and honor special events with music.

Form a Music Committee in partnership with the Worship Committee to focus on building a quality music program.
Employ a part-time director of music.
Encourage and provide the opportunity for participation in a choir that offers classical, religious, folk, jazz and contemporary music appropriate to the time, place and theme of the worship service.
Provide a wide range of instrumental and vocal music suitable to our worship services.
Create a children’s music program
Utilize our space for musical performances for the community.
Collaborate with other Berkshire institutions and musical groups.
Provide performance opportunities and encouragement for developing musicians in our area.
Continue and expand our coffee house program.
Accommodate music and performance needs in the design of our facilities including acoustics, sound system, lighting, and raised platforms.

Ministry

Encourage and provide opportunities for all members to engage in ministry and in worship services.
Invite guest ministers and speakers to bring diverse views to the congregation (without attempts to proselytize or convert).
Provide support to individuals and families in crisis. This can include financial support, pastoral or counseling services. Privacy is respected.
Institute a program to develop lay ministry that supports our minister in addressing the need of our members and the community.

Fellowship

Plan a wide range of fellowship opportunities to accommodate the various interests, talents, and physical abilities within the congregation.
Allow for a spiritual component within our fellowship activities.
Provide pathways for new members and friends to become involved in the activities of the congregation. We are aware that the forging of strong bonds is important to growing a strong congregation and we actively work to encourage these connections.
Evaluate the success of our activities in light of the goal of continually improving our fellowship offerings.

Objective 1.1.2 – Conduct an effective Education program for children and adults

Provide education programs for children, teens, young adults, adults, and cross-generational groups.
Engage a part time Director of Religious Education.
Offer a quality Religious Education program for children that will both attract young families and encourage the spiritual and intellectual development of our children.
Provide a Religious Education program that spans the full spectrum of curricula suggested by the UUA.
Offer programming to cover a range of spiritual needs, studies, and disciplines.
Provide programming to reflect the current social environment.
Provide a pamphlet describing the Religious Education program.

Objective 1.1.3 – Become a “Welcoming Congregation”

Putting the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism into practice in our congregation requires us to reach out to those in our society who often are not welcomed into houses of worship. Today in the United States there is a large community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (glbt) people seeking a spiritual home where they are accepted and respected for who they are. This community has a need for warmth, caring, and affirmation as does anyone else who calls the liberal church their religious home. It is our responsibility to open our doors and welcome this community to our table.

Our current situation of renting space from the Methodist Church prevents us from becoming a “Welcoming Congregation” because of specific restrictions in our rental agreement. We are prohibited from any public activities that would associate glbt with the Methodist Church including any publicly advertised events or performing same sex marriage ceremonies. This is a fundamental issue preventing us from acting in the way that is consistent with our UU principles

Once we are located in a space that allows us the freedom to be fully open to the glbt community, the Board of Trustees will consider following the steps defined by the UUA to become a “Welcoming Congregation.”

Objective 1.1.4 – Consider the UUA “Journey Toward Wholeness” Program

Journey Toward Wholeness is the name for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s initiative to develop anti-oppressive, multicultural, anti-racist ways of being in the world so that we can truly live by our principles. The Journey Toward Wholeness path to anti-racism was born out of the premise that racism and its effects are embedded in all social institutions as well as in us and will not be changed without deliberate engagement in analysis and action. The path begins internally. We take a fresh look at ourselves and learn to identify our personal and institutional relationships to oppressive systems. We then learn the skills we need to dismantle racism in our institutions and restructure ourselves into anti-racist institutions. At the same time that we work to get our own house in order we move into authentic multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and interfaith coalitions for effective spiritually-driven action for justice. Our goal is to create an anti-racist multicultural identity and practice in the life of the congregation.

Vision 2: Community Involvement

We are tightly embedded in our local community and are a major force for social change in our community and beyond. We are reaching out to the community and we are highly respected for the work that we do. We are well known; just about everyone in the community knows who we are, where we are located and for what we stand. We are well established and are inviting (not a club) to others. We are a positive force in our community and make a real difference in the lives of those who live here. We are active in social justice and community outreach at the local, national, and global levels.

Goal 2.1: Make the Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire a strong positive presence within our community.

Objective 2.1.1: Offer diverse programs of interest to our community.

The Worship Committee should determine what Sunday service topics would be of interest to the greater community and invite individuals and groups to our services when the topic is relevant to their interests.
The RE Committee in coordination with the minister should develop special children’s and adult programs that would of interest to the local community.
The Fundraising Committee should consider fundraising events that would be of interest to those outside our congregation.
Encourage outside groups with values consistent with UU principles to utilize our facility for programs and special events.
Sponsor community events consistent with UU principles.
Widely advertise programs, special events and worship services that would be of interest to the community.
Be a model for awareness of environmental issues and sustainable living.

Objective 2.1.2: Provide community outreach.

The Community Outreach Committee should assess community needs and together with the congregation determine UUMSB capabilities and interest in serving those needs. Where other groups/resources are partially serving the needs, determine how we could partner or share the work.
The Community Outreach Committee in coordination with the Social Justice Committee should propose annual community outreach focus efforts that combine both congregational giving in the form of share-the-plate collections and hands-on efforts such as assisting Construct to build houses, working at the People’s Pantry, offering programs or working at Gould Farm, etc. By providing both funds and physical assistance we can energize the congregation around specific issues and we will be able to make a more significant impact in our community.

Develop an awareness of the human needs in our community. This can be done by contacting other congregations and social service agencies in the South Berkshire area to determine what these groups identify as needs for their members/clients. (In addition to the local churches, groups that the UUMSB could develop links with include but are not limited to: Railroad Street Youth Project, Southern Berkshire YMCA, Elder Services of Berkshire County, WIC, Community Health Program, Hospice Care, Construct, Berkshire Community Action Council, Habitat for Humanity, local public schools, local nursing homes, adult literacy programs, etc.). Resources for underserved members of the community such as non-English speaking people, gays and lesbians, and other minorities should be evaluated.
Promote volunteer efforts to enhance life in our community and reach out to those in need. After identifying community needs, programs could be developed in conjunction with various agencies utilizing the resources of many groups to serve the needs of the community. Using a collaborative approach, volunteer opportunities could be offered to each group involved without taxing the resources of any one group. Volunteer opportunities could also be opened up to community members not affiliated with a particular group, providing them with a means to share their talents.
In addition to ongoing programs, collaborative effort could also be used to develop special one-time programs or events to meet specific community needs.
Support the ongoing efforts of already established groups or programs through volunteerism, special collections to meet specific needs or use of space.
Highlight the volunteer work performed by our members, publicize their achievements, and support their efforts.
Promote Unitarian Universalism in our community and educate our members to help them better express their religious convictions.

Objective 2.1.3: Be a force for social justice.

Maintain an active Social Justice Committee that keeps the congregation well informed on local issues as well as those on national and global levels. The committee should identify those particular issues where the efforts of the congregation can be put to use in a meaningful, productive and visible manner.
Use the power of our congregation or inter-group collaboration to give a voice to the oppressed or under-represented. Make that voice be heard through press releases in newspapers, letters to the editor, news stories, paid advertisements, billboards, public forums and special events.
Think globally and act locally. Determine what efforts can be made on a local level that will have an impact on world-wide issues such as the AIDS epidemic, poverty, homelessness, hunger, disease, war, political oppression and environmental concerns.
Be a force for social justice by the power of example. Develop and maintain an extensive network of volunteer efforts and special programs which will enable the UUMSB to become a powerful and pervasive force for human rights in the community.

Vision 3: Sustainability

We are a stable organization and are here for the long run. We have the ability to sustain our organization. Our budget is stable and can sustain us. We are growing at a reasonable rate. We have a ministerial compensation package that is very good for our size and location. We can attract an excellent new minister when that becomes necessary. We have many good lay leaders and we develop the leadership skills of our members. A very large number of our members participate in our programs and help share the ministry of our congregation. We are leaders within our denomination and are active in the district and the UUA.

Goal 3.1: Ensure that the Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire is a sustainable organization that will be in this area for many, many years.

Objective 3.1.1 – Support and maintain a reasonable rate of growth.

Responsible growth within the congregation is both desired and necessary to maintain a viable and sustainable organization. Growth should be well managed to make sure that the “family” feeling of the congregation is maintained. While a 10% real rate of growth per year seems realistic, a higher growth rate would help the congregation realize other goals.

The Membership Committee should develop a marketing plan that assesses the potential for new members in the South Berkshires, determines who might join and how best to reach out to them. Develop and maintain statistics about our community that will support our growth objective. Familiarize ourselves with relevant demographic data for our region.
The Membership Committee should collect and maintain pertinent member information and statistics to include how members found our congregation, what kept them coming back, and the reason why members have left.
Develop a Communication plan to inform and attract new members. Establish a routine for at least quarterly press releases, and community radio and TV appearances. Get notice of real estate transfers & sales so that UUMSB welcome packages can be sent to all new residents.
Maximize publicity about our congregation and our programs to inform the public and help support growth.

Consider various ways to encourage and support growth.

Objective 3.1.2 – Develop and maintain strong leadership abilities within our congregation.

A key to having and maintaining an enduring organization is to maintain strong leaders. Good leaders will enable the congregation to attain its vision by effectively handling both the day to day operations of the congregation and any crisis situations that may arise. The following are some suggested ways to develop and sustain strong leadership:

The Board of Trustees should provide leadership training on an annual basis. Training is available from the UUA, Clara Barton District and local organizations such as the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Training can also be provided by members of the congregation. The training should be tailored to specific needs and identified weaknesses.
A formal mentoring program should be established to identify mentors and individuals to be mentored. This program should look at developing future leaders at all levels within the congregation to include committee chairs, teachers, and board members.
The Board of Trustees in conjunction with the Membership Committee should examine ways to rotate chairs of committees and to identify members who are over-burdened.
Strive for the best, both in those who lead and in everything that is done by and for the congregation. Excellence is contagious and produces an environment where all can serve in pride.
Encourage our leaders to serve on UUA and CBD boards and committees.

Objective 3.1.3 – Ensure the congregation has a minister.

The long term viability of our congregation depends on having a strong minister who can care for the spiritual needs of our members and attract new members to our congregation.

Engage a strong minister by providing a good compensation package that meets the recommendations of the UUA. Annually, during the budget preparation process, the Finance Committee should assess the current UUA ministerial compensation package recommendations for congregations like ours. The Board of Trustees should strive to provide a competitive package and adjust the budget accordingly. This will help to retain our minister and allow us to attract a new minister if that becomes necessary.

Engage an intern or assistant minister as needed to assist the senior minister.
Establish a Committee on Ministry to discuss any issues that arise between the minister and the congregation so that they can be resolved before they become serious problems.
Establish regular meetings between the minister and the president of the congregation.
Provide our own quality space for worship, programs and our minister.
Provide full payment for expenses to General Assembly, district meetings, conferences and workshops.
Provide a private office for the minister.
Provide for 2 full days off per week for the minister as well as adequate paid vacation.
Provide adequate support staff including a secretary to reduce the administrative burdens of the minister.
Support the sabbatical policy and encourage the minister to take a sabbatical in accordance with the sabbatical policy.
Hire a part-time RE director to assist the minister.

Objective 3.1.4 – Maintain a high level of member participation.

Key to a strong and viable organization is the commitment of its members to the organization. Strong participation not only gets things accomplished without burn-out but also develops an organizational pride where members feel personally rewarded as a result of their accomplishments. People who participate and get involved develop a loyalty to the organization and tend to remain as members.

The Membership Committee should maintain up-to-date statistics on member participation so that those who participate can be identified and recognized. Specific opportunities should be made available to members who are not participating and they should be encouraged to get involved. This should be done with care to allow for the ebb and flow of participation and to give people a chance for rest and renewal after long periods of participation.
The Board of Trustees should develop an organizational mind-set that participation is valued and expected. Set up a recognition process to highlight the efforts of our members and to make sure that they know that they are appreciated.
The Membership Committee should determine the degree and types of participation opportunities that our members desire. It should offer fellowship events, committee activities, and other opportunities that appeal to our membership. Ensure that excellence is a cornerstone of all our activities.

As growth occurs, create new groups that allow members to meet in small numbers in order to develop close relationships and keep a family-like, intimate atmosphere.

Objective 3.1.5 – Ensure fiscal stability within the congregation.

Develop annual budgets that are realistic and fiscally responsible. Make sure that any congregational debt incurred as a result of mortgages can be reasonably handled through annual pledges. Budget and fund items that are consistent with the strategic goals of the congregation.

The Finance Committee in conjunction with the Board of Trustees should develop a reasonable ministerial compensation package.
The Finance Committee should develop an annual budget preparation process that solicits budget requests from the congregation and prioritizes those requests consistent with the strategic and annual goals of the congregation.
The Finance Committee should establish a fund and invest annually to save money to help fund strategic initiatives such as the purchase of property and building a meeting house.
Develop an endowment fund to help protect our future.
Maintain stewardship of congregation funds through sound fiscal practices and responsible spending.

Vision 4: Physical Presence

We see ourselves as having a physical presence within our community. Our physical space is an inviting, welcoming space that helps define us. The form, shape, material, simplicity, and beauty of our space are expressions of what is inside and of whom we are. It is a resource for spiritual life and a place where one can participate in a full spectrum of programs to include art, spirituality, yoga, etc. It is a space that allows us to perform our mission and where we can openly express our purposes and principles. It is a place suitable for many diverse community events and is frequented by many in the community.

Goal 4.1: Obtain suitable and affordable space that we control that allows us to perform our mission.

There are three approaches to be considered in meeting this goal:

The first approach is to obtain an exclusive rental arrangement that would allow us the freedom to manage our space as needed to carry out our mission. Based on our extensive 2002-2003 search for rental space, the possibility of finding affordable space of adequate size and location in the Great Barrington area is remote. Also, any space that we might rent would likely come with some practical limitations constraining our ability to be an effective and recognized presence in the community and would not be a true reflection of who we are. However, such an approach, if found, could be used in the interim while we build our membership and develop financial plans for a more permanent solution to meeting our space needs.
The second approach is to purchase an existing building that is suitable to our short term needs and can be modified or expanded in suitable ways to meet our long term goals. Again, based on our 2002-2003 search for space plus our continuing search for appropriate structures to buy, the possibility of finding affordable space of adequate size and location in the Great Barrington area is remote. However, other Great Barrington congregations have gone this route with some success. We should continue to be open to this type of approach and investigate appropriate properties as they come on the market.
The most promising route to obtaining a permanent home for the congregation is to purchase property in a suitable location followed by creation of a facility suited to our needs. This presents the possibility of lower initial cost for the property and allows for an incremental design and construction approach as our financial plans are developed and realized. This is the optimum approach for incorporating the dreams and aspirations of our congregation as expressed at our Cottage Gatherings in 2001 and 2004. Maximum involvement from our congregation in all phases and major decisions should be maintained. We have established 5 specific objectives for achieving this goal:

Objective 4.1.1 – Develop a Financial Strategy:

Based on input from an internal survey to determine the ability of the congregation to finance the purchase or construction of a facility, it is apparent that the congregation can not, at this time, afford to both purchase property and construct a facility. Innovative alternatives are needed. Recommended approaches include:

Develop a financial strategy that incorporates innovative alternatives that would allow the congregation to realize its dreams.

- Consider a multi-use facility where we would team with another organization to build a facility that both organizations could share. These organizations can be other non-profits, corporations, or small businesses.

- Consider grants of all types for which we would be eligible.

- Assess the possibility of financial support from wealthy individuals within our community or with ties to our area, especially those with liberal religious leanings who might support our building plans.

- Consider funding from other religious institutions or congregations in our denomination.

- Determine ways to broaden the donor base.

- Brainstorm other ideas that are “way out there” and very innovative.

The Finance Committee should develop an estimate of how much funding could reasonably be expected in an internal capital campaign. Consider congregational growth and its impact on available funding.
The Finance Committee in conjunction with the Meeting Space Committee should develop estimated annual expenses for owning and operating our own facility. Estimates should consider various size mortgage payments.
A feasibility study should be conducted to determine if the alternatives that are recommended can be realized and in what time frame.

Objective 4.1.2 – Fund the Project:

Once a strategy and plan is in place, raise the necessary funding to execute the project. This includes:

Obtain any commercial loans that are required.
Obtain any internal loans that are required.
Apply for identified grants and foundation funding.
Develop contractual agreements with any organization that we decide to team with in developing a joint project, to include the financial responsibilities of each party and a facility use plan.
Conduct a Capital Campaign. (Determine the need for consultant assistance)
Include expenses for the new facility in the Finance Committee’s proposed annual budget based on the new facility.

Objective 4.1.3 - Purchase Property (land):

Discussions related to purchasing property have been on-going since our first “Cottage Gatherings” in 2001. The general themes that have grown out of these discussions include:

The property should be easy to find, either on a main street or just off a main street.
The property should be in the Great Barrington area as this is the center of the area from which we draw our congregation. It can be a little east, west or south but not much to the north to avoid conflict with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pittsfield.
The property should be a site with a minimum of two acres to allow enough room for a structure, parking and green space suitable for occasional outdoor services or meditation.
If at all possible, the site should have access to town water and sewer services as this greatly simplifies the permit process and minimizes construction expenses for these items.
If possible, the property should be both aesthetically pleasing and have the good public visibility needed to attract people to our doors.

The Meeting Space Committee is responsible for conducting the search for suitable property and for coordinating with other committees, officers and the congregation as needed. This committee has been and should continue searching for candidate properties that meet the above criteria.

Objective 4.1.4 – Design of the Facility:

Although some years in the future, the design of our permanent home must include a number of requirements that are fundamental to achieving the vision of our role in the community and supporting Unitarian Universalist principles. Among these are:

The permanent facility should be designed to accommodate the size of the congregation, taking into consideration projected growth, and to support the activities of the congregation and its mission. At this time, it is projected that the Great Barrington area could support a congregation size of 125 to 150 members. This should be reassessed prior to the design phase and sufficient room for expansion should be considered.
To the maximum extent possible, the design should consider the requirements needed to support identified multi-use opportunities.
The idea of a “green sanctuary”, which is an environmentally responsible structure, is important to achieving the vision of our place in the community and must be included as one of the fundamental principles of the design.
Other design criteria should consider the following: sufficient space for both member use and community use; possibility of rental space; good acoustics; good lighting; accessibility; places to display art; multi-media capability; dance floor; “homier” space for get-togethers; and space for community events.
Incremental construction of the facility should be considered as an important concept that will allow us to move forward as resources become available.
The Meeting Space Committee should prepare and maintain a facility design consideration plan that captures ideas from the congregation, observations made of other facilities, and considerations for multi-use opportunities.
The Meeting Space Committee should prepare and maintain a preliminary cost assessment based on current design considerations.
Once suitable property is obtained, the Meeting Space Committee should propose a facility design process and oversee the development of a detailed facility design plan.
Develop a detailed specification and request for proposal.

Objective 4.1.5 – Construction of the Facility:

Although some years in the future, the construction of our permanent home must include a number of requirements that are fundamental to achieving the vision of our role in the community and supporting Unitarian Universalist principles. Among these are:

Construction should be accomplished in an environmentally sound manner.
Incremental construction should be investigated so that the congregation can move in to a portion of the facility as soon as practical thereby eliminating the need to rent space.
Sweat equity should be used where possible to reduce costs and promote a sense of inclusion by our members, allowing them to utilize their talents and make a unique contribution to the congregation.
Consideration should be given to using local contractors and suppliers when possible during the construction phase.

Conclusion:

The Unitarian Universalist Meeting of South Berkshire is a strong, vibrant religious community committed to supporting the needs of its members and to providing Unitarian Universalism in the South Berkshires. This Strategic Plan provides an overall roadmap to assist the congregation in realizing its dreams for the future. The plan should be used on an annual basis to assess our progress and to develop annual congregational goals that over time will make this plan a reality. The plan should be reviewed in five years and adjusted as needed to ensure that our vision for our future remains clear and that progress is being made to attain that vision. It is recommended that once significant changes are needed, or in 7-10 years, a new Strategic Plan be developed.

“Together we can create a better world, starting right here, right now”

(February 4, 2005)

Worship

Our weekly services are designed to comprise a well-rounded presentation of spiritual, intellectual, and socially relevant topics delivered in a respectful manner.

The voices of our members are shared and encouraged through worship participation in the form of “Bring Your Own” services, panels, and other creative forms of worship.

All members are encouraged to take part in conducting all, or part, of worship services.

Worship services are held on Sundays throughout the year. Scheduling of services take into account a variety of factors, such as the preferences of the congregation, the needs of families and the desire to give weekend residents the opportunity to attend.

Additional worship services are held to provide more options as requested by an appropriate number of members. (Christmas Eve, Passover Seder, and other observances or times).

We support small covenant groups interested in specific study, worship, and practice.

Periodically, we hold worship services that focus on topics and issues for our immigrant communities in their language. These are advertised widely to the general public.

We are mindful of physical (accessibility, comfort, sound, and lighting) as well as spiritual and aesthetic needs in the set up and planning of the worship space.

Ministry

Encourage and provide opportunities for all members to engage in ministry and in worship services.